Seattle Mayor Jenny Durkan says she is prepared to fight the Trump administration and Department of Justice after the DOJ ramped up pressure Wednesday on so-called sanctuary cities.
Officials sent letters to 23 jurisdictions, including King County, warning the department could use subpoena power to force them to provide documents showing they aren't withholding information about the immigration status of people in custody.
The Justice Department has threatened to deny important grant money from communities that refuse to share such information. It's part of Attorney General Jeff Sessions' promised crackdown on sanctuary cities.
King County Executive Dow Constantine and Council Chair Joe McDermott released a joint statement, saying the county has complied with requirements for federal public safety grants.
"The Department of Justice's reckless actions threaten the safety of our communities," the statement read. "Just as we always follow the law, King County will always be a safe, welcoming place for all people."
Durkan, a former United States Attorney, vowed to be part of the fight.
"Let’s be clear: It’s a fight that Donald Trump will lose," Durkan said in a statement.
Seattle and King County were two of 29 jurisdictions named in a letter sent by the DOJ last November, requiring a response to address specific policies that may be in violation of federal immigration law. Wednesday's letter did not include Seattle.
“With today’s announcement, it appears Seattle has successfully made the case to remain a welcoming city. But the fight to protect our citizens in all of King County continues," Durkan continued.
Mayors from across the country boycotted a bipartisan White House meeting with President Donald Trump about infrastructure, drug addiction and other topics after the DOJ letter was sent.
Trump said the mayors who boycotted are placing the needs of illegal immigrants above citizens.
"We can't have it," Trump says. "We want a safe country."
